European Chemicals Agency appoints Irish Chemicals Expert as Chair of Management Board

5th October

Dr. Sharon McGuinness, Assistant Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, has been appointed to the honorary role of Chair of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Management Board in Helsinki.  Dr. McGuinness has been the Irish representative to the ECHA Management Board since September 2014 and will take up the new role with immediate effect.

Speaking about her appointment, Dr. McGuinness said, “I am very excited to have been given this opportunity to help shape the Agency’s new vision and strategic objectives for the coming years and I will work to ensure that the ECHA Management Board continues to play a significant role in helping the Agency meet its regulatory obligations. The work of ECHA in implementing EU chemicals legislation is essential to a competitive and innovative European market, which is ultimately of benefit to industry, consumers, workers and the environment.”

The management board elected Dr. McGuinness to the role at its 43rd meeting in Bratislava and it is the first time an Irish person has been appointed to this prestigious position at the heart of European chemicals oversight.

ECHA is the driving force among regulatory authorities in implementing the EU's chemicals legislation for the benefit of human health and the environment as well as for innovation and competitiveness. ECHA helps companies to comply with the legislation, advances the safe use of chemicals, provides information on chemicals and addresses chemicals of concern.

ENDS